New V-Strom 1050 DE OR Africa Twin? 🤔 | Which Is BEST??

[@leewatkeys9065]

It’s so good to have Greg on these comps. He’s growing into the role every time 👏🏻👏🏻

[@paulsmyth497]

Much fairer test than the previous comparison Chops, and have to admit, even before pressing “Play” I was SURE you’d be hard on the AT again. Delighted with both your feedbacks. Same size as you Chops, and I love my AT. At 61, I’ve done over 400 miles in a day, and could easily have done 600. Honestly. Best looking Adventure by a mile to boot 👍

[@garthmctavish7335]

Well done 😎 👍 I have crashed my Suzuki vstrom 1000 many times. Still going strong 💪

[@MadDog-65]

Suzuki hands down. Reliability alone trumps the Honda. The Suzuki motor is proven and won’t use oil later on down the track like the Honda has been known to do. And the tech on the Honda is fantastic once you get a degree in rocket science to use it. Keep it simple reliable and tech friendly Suzuki is the winner.

[@ttmadness34]

Both look great. The suzuki is tempting at the moment, currently selling them for £12.300 and still doing the 2.9% apr. Cant beat that if you want a bike on finance.

[@LooxJJ]

These bikes are perfect bike for me. I live in Los Angeles - we have long stretches of highways that needs 85mph ~ 90mph. On weekend morning getaways - 3 hours ride to Mojave desert, then play around on sand dunes for a few hours. Then off to Las Vegas for another 2 hours ride, spend Saturday night, then run back home by Sunday evening. Hard to do with anything less than 1000cc.

[@LambChopRides]

Wow sounds like an incredible days riding! Where do I sign 😁👍

[@stephenbarabas6286]

😂 hard to do with less than 1000cc... Yet old timers did the same damn thing on smaller bikes...

[@2WheelsGood.01]

​@@stephenbarabas6286 He's not wrong for the most part, maybe exaggerating a little... The traffic on the highways these days is just simply too fast and aggressive for small bikes in SoCal. Sure, you can take small roads, but it'll take you many hours more time to get anywhere. The 80cc is perfectly capable honestly, but anything under 650cc is just terrifying.

[@Kurlach]

Really enjoyed that guys. I’m not an adventure bike guy but those colours on the Africa Twin pop. It’s a lot of bike for the money

[@terrystratford1235]

I rode both, back to back, AT base model with dct is just a dream! The 1050de is a great bike, but Honda nailed it!

[@Love4boost]

I’d have the Honda. The cockpit is more attractive, and the cable clutch. I do wish it had a beak like the V-Strom. Idk why I like that look so much on adv bikes. The Multistrada, Tiger, and GS always grab my attention with the beak

[@nick1bb1]

quick note ref the "power pie" - one slice is max but its not an engine "power" difference its the throttle response that is changed. There is a huge difference in immediacy between Tour and Off road modes. Hope that helps - Ref the roll on tests - I can see the AT was set to lowest power when you did them - im fairly confident that the outcome would be quite different if you did the tests when the AT was in Tour mode.

[@andrewlucas6214]

Without doubt, the best adv bike test I’ve seen. Represents 90% of folks who will buy these bikes. Disappointed with Suzuki hand guards.. e few quid for a metal insert would be more useful than a quick shifter. Also, thank god for decent colors. Africa twin has always had great colors to be fair.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Andrew 👍😁

[@boostaholic7116]

Another great comparison chaps! Greg bottling the puddle and you binning the Suzi had me in stitches 🤣🤣

[@LambChopRides]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍😁

[@keyboarddancers7751]

The Suzuki's engine is at heart almost thirty years old which is pretty impressive.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes and it's been tweaked and still very, very nice 👍

[@chrishart8548]

Did it 1st appear in the TL1000r was that 1996

[@keyboarddancers7751]

That's right. Design work might've begun in late '94.

[@garethevans7214]

Isn’t the new one a parallel twin? Might be wrong nice bike anyway 😊

[@shaneryan9076]

@@garethevans7214 nope the 800 is parallel but the 1050 still a V Twin

[@grumpsrides6074]

Fair play to both of you, a very thorough comparisson test. As a (very) amature green laner, I felt every pinch and squeek, of your back passage 😳, as you went off road!! 🤣 Top job guys 👍

[@LambChopRides]

Haha thanks buddy 😁👍

[@keithsbitsandpieces]

Great fun again 😊, Put the honda in full power mode .. TOUR and watch it launch off , The roll on in 3rd gear is amazing..

[@colinrose8664]

One of the best reviews so far with Greg.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Colin 👍

[@tactical1224]

It would have been interesting to see how this would have played out if you had both scored the bikes like you did last time with ratings from 1 - 10 for the various aspects (engine, suspension, etc.) of the bikes. Last time, the V-Strom came out on top scoring wise, with the 19" front wheel. It makes me think that the original idea of the V-Strom 1050XT got it right and that the 21" wheel may only marginally help it off road, while it hurts it substantially on road...what are your thought on this?

[@shadowred1980]

Enjoy the comparisons, especially the roll on tests. Sometimes they show more than the spec sheet lets on. Looking forward to the next one.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes exactly 👍

[@globallordtom]

​@@LambChopRidesthough I think you did your pickup test on the CRF with P set to 4... Meaning the least power in your user mode 1 😅 30:57

[@StephanCRF1100]

That´s true, lowest power setting@@globallordtom

[@CodgerBiker]

Put 5 stone of lead into Greg’s rucksack. It’s like WorldSBK 👍😂

[@LambChopRides]

Haha good idea! 😆👍

[@CodgerBiker]

@@LambChopRides Only joking. Top video. Send him on a pie tour with Teapot1!

[@billboring3925]

You guys are having so much fun. You’re making me laugh because I’ve been in the same situation with friends. It’s a good time.😄

[@magnusschimmel2614]

Ich schätze die viel leichtere Bedienung der Suzuki. Die linke Armatur der AT ist ein Witz. 20 Knöpfe und die Hupe ist da wo alle anderen Bikes den Blinker haben... Ausserdem simuliert die Suzuki nicht mit Hubzapfenversatz einen V2 Motor, sie HAT ihn! Und er ist absolut grossartig.

[@inked-96]

Test rode both last week, loved them both. Africa twin hasnt got a quickshifter from factory(£650) servicing costs are more? Im assuming replacement parts would be more than the 1050? I passed in June this year, and my work horse is a 1200GSA 2019. Im paying £1650 for insurance. 2021 Africa Twin - £1550. V strom 1050 DE/R £950. I found the 1050R which has the 19" was way more sportier on the road and for most, that's the better choice. No idea why people say the road 1050 is called the 'standard model.' It has the same electronics as the DE but less travel on suspension, cast alloys, 19" and is 242kg.

[@phaylanx5]

The friendly banter takes a great comparison video to the next level!

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks 👍

[@mikehorton8603]

Love the comment after the tumble "can you get it up"😂. In all seriousness 2 great bikes I have the Honda ATAS love it. The pie thing is annoying and confusing tho!

[@nikolasharvey]

Great video as always chopsy & gregario,I usually like you and gregario working together but not so much on this video,I feel he's letting you down on this one,1st.the hissy fit about the 3 inch puddle & 2nd.his refusal to test crash the AT.Joking aside another great video from you both,keep up the good work and look forward to the next one.

[@johnwild2331]

Another great review guys, keep up all the good work 👊🏻

[@ragerider6283]

Great comparison review & a very entertaining vid. Result makes sense too although it would have been interesting with a control tyre. However I appreciate that's too expensive to justify doing but regardless of that, I think it's fair to assume the Honda is still the better bike. Suzuki's are always good all round bikes but usually a bit too heavy regardless of class, which is especially apparent off road. Ideally it needs to lose at least 10-15 kg but that V-twin will always make it heavier than the P-twins.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@deanharris9331]

Love it Chops ❤ Purely based on looks the Honda edges it especially in those colours......but could be a different story when riding them as i love the characteristics of the Suzuki. Greg should of built a ramp and jumped that puddle.......it only looked about 30 ft ! And throw in a whip fo good measure. 😂😂😂

[@OnlineHousehusband]

Owned an AT a few years back and had nothing but build quality issues. Shame because it was a fantastic bike to ride and sounded epic for a parallel twin. Maybe Honda has improved the build quality now? Great review though Chops as always 👌

[@thorstentrapp274]

Interesting. What issues if you don't mind telling?

[@steveball2307]

Engaging, interesting and fun test - no mean feat on bikes that have been reviewed to death online. Only real problem is that they really needed to be on the same tyres - no surprise that the Suzuki was better on the road and - erm - interesting on the lanes!

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Steve 👍

[@talkingrock7011]

It’s easy to go down getting up is a different story , I don’t think you could go wrong with either bike thanks Chops

[@robindalton1790]

Brilliant reviews boys, I just got the v strom 😊

[@LambChopRides]

Nice one! It's so close its a great bike! 👍

[@moza1080]

best duo on youtube

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@kumonojuuza]

it would be useful to know the average fuel consumption of both bikes... and maybe also at pre-established speeds of 90,110 and 130 km/h

[@miyrides1180]

Out of the two I'd prefer the Honda if I ,m in the UK...But i live in NZ usually, so its the T7 for me …I like to go off-road

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah middleweight bikes are better offroad

[@thedriverofallthings]

I think the biggest i would go is the tenere 700 or 690 enduro, And i think they are dangerous because they are too heavy for off road for any one who isnt very experienced

[@DerekGreene-lg6vq]

A quick question at the beginning of the vid you said that you had no problem setting up the CarPlay but I understood it had to be hard wired to the phone .. and it seems by looking at the bars your using the usb to power the insta 360 .. could you control your phone apps ,maps calimoto etc via the bike ?

[@MartinGrimmer-kc4qs]

Great entertainment and informative as well. Is I've always thought these bikes are far too heavy for UK off road but if push came to shove it would be the Honda's fit and finish combined with a more user friendly set up. Thanks guys keep up the good work.

[@wattie1050]

Good fun there Chopsy 😁 bikes too heavy for that offroading I would say !!!😀 decent tyres would make a big difference , both good real world bikes for our dodgy roads nowadays. Good fun with yourself and Greg .👍

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@AdamForeman]

I have a HUGE problem, I keep looking at the Yamaha TRACER 9 GT PLUS configure bike l/BUY IT NOW icon....

[@flamintasty]

Suzuki FTW!! That Honda does look lovely though in those colours, the black version looks horrible. But I’m a Suzuki fanboi, so it was always going to be the V-Strom 😂

[@PissTakeProduction]

Team Suzuki 🎉

[@tHaH4x0r]

Had to make the choice a year ago, before the V-strom was released. For me the choice was mostly between the T7, regular AT and ATAS. The amount of offroad we get here in NL is extremely minimal, and I do use my bike for commuting and (two up) travel as well. AT was a nice compromise and 'do it all' option. 4:10 That's not entirely true Chopsy, AT has had android auto since 2021. Then again, this bike is exactly the same as the 2021 version. 7:50 Important to note! ABS does revert to 'on' after restarting the bike. 12:45 Exactly the wrong way around, Chopsy is right! They have been very confusing with this, but I just remember: More bars = more computer intervention. Thus 4 bars = lowest 'power mode'. Then again on the AT its not a true power mode, you still get full power on WOT. It is more similar to a throttle mapping, where 4 bars give you more gentle throttle, and higher power later in the twist. I 100% agree on the remark that the bars feel close on the AT. I am still trying to figure out ways to create some space. On aggressive offroad it can make it feel very unstable on acceleration.

[@LambChopRides]

Ah OK thanks for clearing up the confusion 😁👍

[@MotoRideswJohn]

Greetings from across the pond. Great production! I am so jealous of the scenery and roads you gents have over there.

[@christopherhorton5449]

Great review Chopsie. A proper test. I concur with your thoughts, the AT looks better.

[@nickrider5220]

Felt like going for a ride with your mates Chopsy and Greg 🙂 Although you need to work on your left and right instructions 😂

[@LambChopRides]

Haha yes 😁👍

[@jamest5149]

You both need to go to Sweetlamb near Aberystwyth… miles of terror for you both to ‘enjoy’

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah I'm actually going in a couple of weeks! 🤪

[@BuckyUSA]

The only thing wrong with that AT is all the gold bits are missing. 😢

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I owned a DL1000XT for a short time. I missed the handling and power of a 900-ish CC naked bike, ended up trading out of it. While I did own it, it was very capable, stable, the forks and brakes were super good as stock. I know the 1037cc Vtwin would run forever with maintenance. But.......... it lacked something. About 20 horsepower. It was quick, hauled some pace really easily. Just lacked some excitement. Too much of the TL1000R removed from the heart of the recipe.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Booneville2024 Via cams, compression ratio, valves, throttle bodies, crankshaft weight, and other tuning properties, they removed a lot of spice.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Booneville2024 Nothing wrong with how it's tuned. It could use another 20 horsepower.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@Booneville2024 I'm guessing you own the big DL.

[@QuackLoud]

Do you guys not get the 19 inch front Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sport? Honda has both the 19 or 21 inch in the USA.

[@alanshearing7515]

Getting mucky and having fun , great review. No shame Greg know your limits. The Honda gets from me too , nicer lines and all the tech. The price has nothing to do with my choice I just think the Honda is the better all rounder. Enjoy your blackberry and see you both soon for the next adventure.

[@craigcooper8810]

great review guys i got my transalp a few weeks ago it seems like a little africa twin :))

[@LambChopRides]

Yes absolutely is Craig! 😁👍

[@outforabrew628]

Awesome review. I’ve never been brave enough to take my AT up that path…. Now I know not to bother 🤣

[@ComfyDadShoes]

The Strom for me, but I’ve always been partial to Suzuki over honda

[@HippoDrones]

Very interesting to see how close they are... I agree that the AT looks better... although the yellow V-Strom looks lovely. I love the tech on the AT, espesially the dual dash display. Great vid guys, hope you didn't get told off for breaking the Suzuki? 😀

[@LambChopRides]

haha thanks Pete, little slap on the bottom :-)

[@HippoDrones]

@@LambChopRides At least you review these bikes properly for the type of terrain us Brits will be riding them in, they should thank you! 😀

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great stuff gents - thoroughly enjoyed that as ever.....I have little interest in either bike (lets face it a GS wipes the floor with both on and off road) but it was still a great fun video to watch....keep 'em coming gents!

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Andy appreciated buddy 😁👍

[@edombre4637]

I’m looking for a new adv bike for 2025. So many choices. Doing a lot of research. The common opinion about GS’s I’ve come across is that the BMW (and KTM) are unreliable. For me, an adventure bike should be 100% reliable- they say the Japanese bikes are the most reliable so I am putting Africa twin, vstrom and supertenere at the top of the list

[@mathias6423]

Well I guess you could say that you almost tried taking these adv bikes off road anyways. But like my father used to tell me "trying does not matter if you always fail son" Greg was a wuss in this one However I can understand if you are not used going off road these heavy adv bikes will suck. Most people buying these bikes buy them for comfort on the tarmac anyways which I will never understand. I rather buy a real sport touring bike than riding an adv bike only on tarmac. You should take Greg on some faster gravel roads in a comparison test between the 890 Adventure and the Ducati Desert X I saw before you fell on the Suzuki that you were going to fall Chopsy, you ran straight for that grassy bump in the trail instead of going for the tire tracks If you are going to fall/drop the bike, these are the places to do it though. Going slow with a lot of grass and soft stuff around to fall and drop the bike on, perfect place to ride when you are learning off-road, much safer than going fast on gravel and dropping the bike. Now you had zero damage to yourself or the bike 👍 It is pretty obvious though, even if you are doing only 30% off-road and 70% tarmac, the Suzuki is not the ideal bike. For this kind of riding something like the 890 adventure would be a much better bike, just to get 40 kg less and better all-around tires.

[@stephenchapman8344]

Not that I needed it………….but you have defo confirmed : off road is not for me. 😂👍

[@guymanning8009]

That was really good, very entertaining.😂👍🏻

[@chrishart8548]

Those tyres on the 1050 look terrifying for anything off road

[@LambChopRides]

Your telling me! 👍😆

[@DC_Cha_Cha_Cha]

That UI showing the power is weird! It's so clear on the Hornet. Full pie, full power. Why would they make it backwards on the AT? 😅😅 Gotta love that Africa Twin livery, it's a stunner

[@4tech69]

The AT is one of the best looking adventure bikes on the market. The livery is just amazing as well. If is had another 10-20 horse and another 10Nm of Torque I would get it in a minute for mostly Touring. I have a KTM 890 R for off road.

[@BlazinBlades]

When you come with jeans and snickers for the offroad test and can’t run a baby puddle on the more offroad orientated bike it’s a bit of a joke 🤣😝 If the XT was a better overall bike on the last test what made the DE lose this time around? The AT is the exact same bike you tested last time. Is it safe to say for folks doing 90% road the Zuzuki is a better choice? Thanks guys 🍻🍻

[@LambChopRides]

Last time we didn't go offroad, as the DE is the offroad version of the Vstrom only fair to compare it offroad. Yes as I mentioned in the vid, the road manors of the vstrom are better but overall now the prices are the same (vstrom was also cheaper before) the Honda offers better value. Also its been tweaked over the years and just felt more premium

[@robhush8836]

Another great review for the channel, well done

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks Rob 👍

[@EVILSPAWN1003]

This sort of riding looks like so much fun. I think a Tenere 700 or something would do me just fine tho.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes middleweight bikes are better offroad, the lighter the better!

[@myagoodbody7942]

Lots of giggles that’s what is all about ❤😂

[@Triumph1050Tiger]

You were doing the roll on in the lowest power settings, if you had it on 1 pie as you called it you would see a difference for sure.

[@daveyt4802]

I rode a 2022 1050 a few weeks ago. Though it was a slow tank.

[@stephenpotts8170]

Hi both, enjoyed the review, you gave green lane a whole new meaning, you needed a machete to get through that, ha-ha. Thank you.

[@LambChopRides]

Haha we did! Thanks Stephen 👍

[@DaveDayve]

But at the roll on your power settings for maximum power should be lest blue. One pie. On my standard AT there's a big difference in throttle response and top end

[@LambChopRides]

It doesn't effect power anyway, only initial throttle response and its so subtle makes no odds

[@davidhodgson2158]

A great review guys, having owned a 2017 v-strom I know how great they are at real world riding, it was just the poor quality of the spoked wheels that tarnished that turned me off them. I now have a f900xr bmw which handles very similar but has mag wheels and the 17inch front wheel

[@richardhretczak536]

Used to have 2017 XT too and I agree 100% on spoked wheels. In my case after 42000km in one year on it decided to go for FJ-09 and now on 900 GT. Still missing 19” front wheel though.

[@JLadventures27]

Love the review :-) I have the 2024 Africa twin, the power pie is throttle response 😂

[@jnordqvist7515]

Which Is BEST ktm 1290adv

[@flamintasty]

I admire your optimism 😂

[@DanTube2010]

Chops - I have heard you say power level 1 is maximum power about a 1000 times in the end credits of your videos. So, you should have known that one!

[@LambChopRides]

Haha true!

[@racesportfan]

My God ,one of the best video's 😂😂

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@daveg8325]

Greg was on top form in this video! 😂

[@LambChopRides]

Haha he was! 😁👍

[@OrangeManStan]

The tyres don't make a lot of difference. It's slippery on knobblies too. Experience is what makes the difference.

[@MattPerry]

the Africa twin it is a good bike rides well balanced enough power but unfortunately in many cases around the world the engine consumes oil every thousand miles

[@Themotograndpa]

Both great bikes Africa twin for me but rally pro 900 as good !!! Keep up the great vids chops👍

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah the rally Pro is excellent offroad

[@StefanSu91]

I swear, I used to be a purist until i learned what DCT actually does. Every time I look at a vs video, at the end I’m just thinking “but it has no DCT”. Africa Twin it is for me.

[@rajindarsingh1417]

My fear is that I’ll never ever get back to a manual 😂

[@Roberta_Esposito]

weight gain aside ; ppl knock DCT bc theyve never used it ; no ; Experienced it

[@vaughanboyce3702]

I've got a 2018 vstrom xt best thing you can do is stick some better tyres on I run motoz adv so have heaps of grip off-road and hook up really well on road, this giving you confidence. I looked at middleweight bikes and yes they are lighter but they are still heavy lumps off-road and you give up on road performance. If you really want the full on adv go but lightweight enduro machine and strom, Africa, g's etc for everything else don't muck around with the middleweight advs.

[@ianstamp]

Woah hold on, loving the rattle can insert at 9.38! Is that the first time you’ve used it or have I missed it? It looks to be graced by the hand of Chris Eades 🤔

[@LambChopRides]

I've used it only a couple of times, thought this vid needed some break points. No not done by Chris though, but must be decent if you thought it was 😁👍

[@ianstamp]

It’s brilliant. Amazing how little touches like that make you stand out from others and great to see the channel going so strong. 👍🏻💪🏻

[@kawajocb1685]

Nice ride. Thanks.

[@nikolasharvey]

Did Honda come across a box of old Casio watches and thought they’d double as a second dash? 😂

[@Marcelo-m6f]

Suzuki beats honda in reliability..thats a big deal

[@JEmmertz]

The power gauge on Honda Africa Twin is indeed a reverted thingy-ma-bob. I, still to this day, don't really see the logic in presenting it that way - they have so many other options for the screen and what is displayed and how it is displayed, so they just as well could have thrown in a "Revert to logical power gauge" as an extra option. You will know the difference when you test the various max. and mins. But why, Honda, why!!!

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah that's very odd then isn't it.. OK thanks for confirming 👍

[@1990-t1j]

Of these two, the AT for me, but that's only based on looks. Nick J

[@2WheelsGood.01]

Now add the Super Tenere!

[@moorepower13]

Tapping that Honda screen would get so old by the 3rd day.

[@_Archambaud]

Neither for me but fun review♥️

[@mikealls8938]

That's why I won't buy an Adventure bike. I would be the same , "I don't want to drop it" love the idea of them but on a PCP £160+ a month for me, I won't want to go off road. Then really what's the point of them? I'll stick with speed and handling over tall and comfortable.

[@Sirleopard666]

Suzuki rules! 💪😎

[@johngarrity6942]

PERFECT REVIEW! 👍🏍🏍👍

[@brucekendall52]

I really think tyres should be changed to be 50/50 so at least you can get better comparisons and you would be safer.Great entertainment,thks.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes agreed if budgets allowed 👍

[@SuperSavage35]

The Africa Twin is or rather was my dream bike but unfortunately due to various things I don't think I'm going to get around to getting my full MC license. Couldn't tell you why but there's just something about the AT that really draws me towards it.

[@IRQ1Conflict]

Probably would be good to scout a path with a trail bike before committing to a path on big bikes with street tires. Good video.

[@LambChopRides]

Yes ideally but we didn't have one, made for a fun test though

[@martinhughes9769]

Another great video love Suzukis , Honda looks a better build quality,surprised how your views made me think that the suzuki is a really good bike , Nice soft landing 😂

[@sammccaughan4142]

Entertaining. Thanks Chops

[@LambChopRides]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@christianmouraux7269]

I go for the Africa Twin! 😉

[@dannewitt1312]

Time to get rid of the Harley. I cannot decide what adventure bike to get. So internet people pls help. I live in Belgium and have Europe at my doorstep. Once a year I do a long moto holiday on adverage it is a 4.000km trip. Most people here ride a GS or AT, yes these are great bikes but I really like the look of the Suzuki Vstrom or the Yamaha1200 Tenere. Most of my riding I avoid the 120kph highways and stick to the 100kph national roads but also like the idea of the dirt lane back roads.

[@thorstentrapp274]

Looking a bit closer at build quality and used materials Honda has always been actually quite a bit better than Suzuki. Based on the verdict here this difference (if I'm right on this) isn't really there it seems...interesting. It would be really strange if the V-Storm wasn't better on road...wheel size, suspension, geometry...it's just way more of a road bike. Same the other way around, the AT will just kill the Suzuki off-road (tires equal). Interesting to see the affect of the rider weight on acceleration.